"Technology Strategies" is a management-level training designed by the experts of NPower, a national nonprofit technology initiative based in Seattle, WA. Nonprofit managers will learn how to take a proactive stance when it comes to their organization’s technology. Its goal is to demystify technology by learning how to evaluate and assess what an organization needs to use technology to meet its mission. Most importantly, the workshop content is not technical, and attendees do not have to have any specific technical skills or knowledge to attend ... just an awareness of the organization's overall business goals.

Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to:

• Create a strategic technology plan that fits each organization
• Secure resources for technology projects
• Build an appropriate technology team to help the planning and management process
• Use free online tools for technology assessment, inventory, budgeting and planning
• Identify, prioritize, and implement new technology projects
• Manage technology with limited resources
• Stretch staff training dollars
• Creatively manage IT staffing needs
• Work with technology consultants and volunteers to ensure the organization gets the technology help it needs

The workshop will be held at Info Line, 474 Grant St., Akron OH 44311. On Friday, February 21st, the program will run 9:00 - 4:30 PM; on Monday, February 24th, a half-day workshop from 9:00 - 12:00 will be followed by a half-day work session from 1:00 - 4:00. All nonprofit managers in northeast Ohio are eligable to attend. To register, call 330-315-1335 or e-mail .

"Technology Strategies" is just one of the services provided by Project Connect, northeast Ohio's nonprofit technology resource. Other services include a value-added membership program, hands-on software training. a tuition assistance program, a technical support hotline, electronic updates, specialized research information, etc. It is funded by the GAR Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, Community Technology Fund of Ohio, and the Verizon Foundation.

Project Connect is a program of Info Line, founded in 1998 with the mission to help non-profits use technology and connectivity more efficiently. An advisory council of area experts in technology, non-profit management, and education developed the project's initial goals and objectives and are integral to the program as it continues to add new services. "The advisory council is the primary reason for Project Connect's success," adds Jacquie Skrzypiec, manager of the project. "Their dedication and level of expertise have helped us to develop one of the most comprehensive non-profit technology/connectivity initiatives in the country." 

For more information, visit infolineinc.org/connect.htm, e-mail , or call 330-315-1335.

Curricula Summary

DESCRIPTION

Technology Strategies for Non-Profit Leaders is an interactive workshop that equips leaders of nonprofit organizations with the management knowledge and planning tools to develop and implement a technology plan for their organization. Technology Strategies helps leaders strategically plan for and manage technology, make informed and intelligent technology investments, and use technology to accomplish the organization’s mission. By implementing what you learn in a Technology Strategies workshop, you will build capacity and infrastructure for leading your organization into the future.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

1. How to manage the technology planning process in your organization. A technology plan is an important part of a healthy organization. Just like any strategic planning process, going through the technology planning process as an organization will help you take a proactive stance when it comes to technology, instead of just reacting to technology problems as they arise. A technology plan is also essential for securing funding for technology projects. Learn how to create a technology vision statement to guide the planning process, and how to build an appropriate team to assist you.
2. How to assess your organization’s technology needs. Technology is a moving target. There is always someone trying to sell you on the latest software solution or higher speed computers. Demystify your technology needs by learning how to evaluate and assess what your organization needs to use technology as a tool for accomplishing your mission. Then, ensure your success by prioritizing projects and setting realistic goals.
3. Strategies for budgeting and securing resources for technology projects. Technology budgets need to take into account more than just the cost of equipment. Understanding the total cost of ownership before you purchase will help you budget realistically, while taking into account all the costs of maintaining your organization’s technology needs. Learn how to effectively present technology projects to funders and where to find additional technology resources.
4. Management strategies for implementing your technology plan. Implementing a technology plan requires staffing the projects with the right people to carry out the work. Also, your staff will need to spend time and effort adopting and learning new tools and processes. Understanding your leadership role in managing this implementation will help ensure your success. Learn strategies for training staff and for finding, selecting, and working effectively with technology consultants and volunteers.

• TOOLS AND RESOURCES YOU’LL RECEIVE
• Sample technology plans
• Sample technology vision statements
• A brainstorming and prioritizing model for adopting a technology solution
• Logic model process for identifying indicators of success
• Total Cost of Ownership calculator for budgeting for technology
• Free on-line inventory and assessment tools
• Sample Request For Proposal (RFPs) to use when seeking outside technology assistance

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?

This workshop is for senior leaders who oversee strategic planning and resource allocation for the organization. The workshop content is not technical, and technical aptitude is not required. The workshop focuses on strategic planning and capacity building, and will be helpful to members of the organization who are in the following roles:

• Executive Directors
• CEOs
• Program Managers
• Directors of Operations or Administration
• Board members

WORKSHOP CONTENT

The Technology Strategies workshop is organized into modules for easy customization to a local community or organization’s needs. In addition, facilitators draw on their experience and workshop materials to choose options for activities and examples that apply best to your organization.

Workshop content covers technology planning and strategic management of technology and includes:

• Overview of technology planning
• Building a technology planning team
• Creating a technology vision statement
• Assessing technology needs
• Prioritizing technology projects
• Budgeting and understanding total cost of ownership
• Working with consultants · Securing resources for priority projects
• Staffing strategically
• Planning for training needs
• Process mapping as a tool for introducing technology into a business or service area
• Implementing your plan

This workshop is a dynamic, interactive learning experience. You’ll have the opportunity to learn through presentations, hands-on activities, and small group discussions. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with a clear record of what you learned through handouts, notes, reference materials, and electronic tools and resources that you can use to make your organization’s technology vision a reality.

FACILITATION

KAREN TYE has 10 years of experience in curriculum design and training. Karen earned a degree in speech communications from the University of Washington with an emphasis in group process and facilitation. Certified in Web-Based Training (WBT) Design, she is an accomplished trainer and writer of trainer guides, corporate train-the-trainer programs, and interactive learning curriculum. Karen worked as a trainer and curriculum designer in both the nonprofit and the for-profit community. Karen’s education, training, and hands-on experience provide her exceptional knowledge as a workshop designer and facilitator. She is committed to interacting and growing with participants and has a passion for life that can be contagious.

ABOUT NPOWER

NPower is a network of nonprofit organizations whose mission is to help other nonprofits use technology to better serve their communities. At NPower, we believe that the real value of technology is measured by how well it helps build healthy, vibrant and safe communities. We know that technology, applied well, can have a positive impact on a nonprofit’s ability to meet their mission. NPower serves as a guide, helping nonprofits translate technology’s promise into a better world.

ABOUT PROJECT CONNECT

Project Connect was founded in 1998 to address the technological and connectivity needs of non-profit organizations. The project’s primary goal is to develop comprehensive, community-wide connectivity through internet access. This initiative will also assist area non-profit organizations in upgrading their technology capabilities and utilizing their resources more effectively.

ABOUT THE SBC FOUNDATION

The SBC Foundation's signature initiative, SBC Excelerator, will contribute several million dollars each year from its annual giving budget to projects that focus on implementing programs that utilize technology to build stronger communities.

While technology is essential in today's society, many populations still lack access, putting them at a widening educational and economic disadvantage. To reach these underserved communities, SBC Excelerator seeks to equip the groups that already most closely serve them: community-based organizations (CBOs). By helping CBOs use technology to advance their social missions, SBC Excelerator will help them better serve their clients — and connect their clients to today's essential technologies.

SBC Excelerator launched in 2002 with a $10 million competitive grants program that targets initiatives that use technology to improve education or community development. Two national, $1 million grants focused on two distinct needs: Non-Profit Technology Capacity Building and Technology Workforce Development. A further $8 million in competitive grants are being distributed to community-based organizations throughout SBC's 13-state service area that address Technology Access, Technology Education, and/or Technology Workforce Development.

In addition to the $10 million competitive grants program, throughout 2002 SBC Excelerator will allocate $15 million in grants through the Foundation's general grantmaking to other national and regional projects that, through technology, aim to build stronger communities.